Author’s pov
Silence fell over the cabin like a heavy blanket as Zane’s words hung in the air.
Cassian stared at him for a solid ten seconds, his expression unreadable. Then, with a deliberate slowness, he glanced down at his phone.
"First stop after landing?" he said, voice flat. "The psychiatrist."
He looked up again, disbelief written all over his face.
"Cecilia has parents. She was born and raised in Denver. And you’re seriously sitting here wondering if she might be your daughter?"
He let out a low scoff.
"You’re losing it."
Zane’s face went pale. He didn’t offer a word in response.
Instead, he stood abruptly and walked toward the back of the cabin, shoulders stiff with tension.
"Uncle Zane, stop avoiding it. I booked the damn appointnt. You’re going, like it or not."
Zane didn’t turn around. He just picked up his pace, disappearing through the door to the private compartnt.
A few minutes later, he sat alone in the corner, his posture rigid, agitation radiating off him like heat.
He pulled out his phone, hands trembling slightly, and typed a quick ssage:
[ Are the DNA results back yet? ]
Cecilia’s pov
I woke from a heavy sleep, groggy and disoriented. The bedside clock read just after 4 PM.
Yulia walked in carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup and a thick slice of cornbread.
"Martha sent this over," she said, setting it down carefully. "You tossed your lunch earlier, so I figured you’d be starving by now."
It wasn’t just any soup. The broth was rich, with soft carrots, pulled chicken, and thick egg noodles. It slled like sothing soone’s grandma would make on a snow day.
Harper had a bowl too, plus an extra wedge of cornbread slathered in butter.
Harper leaned over with a mischievous grin. "Look at , reaping all the benefits of your situation."
I laughed and nudged her with my elbow. We took our bowls and settled on the balcony.
Sunlight ca through the eaves, and cicadas buzzed up in the trees. The breeze slled like dry grass and pine. The village looked so quiet, it almost felt like we were on a weekend getaway instead of hiding.
For a mont, we forgot why we were here. It felt like visiting a beloved aunt’s country ho.
Then a honeybee swooped in, landing right on the edge of my bowl.
My entire face shifted into panic mode. I flailed my spoon like it was a sword.
"Oh my God! Where did you co from? Shoo! This isn’t for you!"
Yulia and Harper burst into laughter.
From a tree branch on the second floor, Tang lounged like it was his personal hammock, legs dangling.
He chuckled as he recorded the whole thing on his phone.
A few minutes later, my phone buzzed.
I looked down to see a ssage from Sebastian:
[ Looks like you’re having fun with your little bee friend. I’m almost jealous. ]
Attached was a photo of mid-flail. My eyes were bulging, my mouth wide open, and my spoon frozen in the air.
I glanced up and spotted Tang slipping his phone back into his pocket with a grin.
"You two are in cahoots, aren’t you?" I muttered, fingers flying across my screen.
[ Hilarious. Why don’t you co over and I’ll catch a whole jar of them for you to play with. ]
I stared at the photo, already imagining a whole folder on Sebastian’s phone titled "Cecilia’s Greatest Hits."
If I could remotely detonate that device, I would.
His reply took its sweet ti.
[ Better start catching those bees then. ]
I frowned. Classic Sebastian. Cryptic and smug.
Yulia peeked over my shoulder. "Is that from Mr.Cassian?"
"What? No," I said, blinking.
"No?" She paused, clearly thrown off.
Harper rolled her eyes beside .
The three of us exchanged glances, and for a second, silence stretched between us.
Yulia broke it smoothly. "By the way, Martha has invited you both for lunch at her ho tomorrow."
Harper and I looked at each other, surprised.
We’d only been here for two days, and already we were receiving lunch invitations?
"Mr.Cassian told Martha’s a wonderful person," Yulia added. "Levi and I will go with you. If you’re unsure, you can always check with him."
I nodded, trying to smile. But part of couldn’t help wondering: wasn’t she being just a little too welcoming?
"It’s not that I’m worried," I said, keeping my tone light. "Just surprised by her generosity."
Harper nodded. "Seriously. It’s sweet, but honestly, it’s almost too generous to feel casual."
"Don’t overthink it," Yulia said with a warm laugh. "Martha adores young people. Whenever Cassian visits, she insists he sit down for a full al. Older folks get lonely, you know? She’ll be thrilled just to have so new conversation at the table."
After that, it felt wrong to say no. We were already staying in their guest house, eating their food, enjoying their protection.
I traded another glance with Harper, and we both nodded.
That night, Harper and I decided to ask Tang to scout the area.
Not because we were paranoid. Just trying to be responsibly cautious.
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, right?
As darkness fell, Tang slipped out without a sound.
Harper and I locked the bedroom door and pulled the curtains tight.
The nightti air felt thicker, more watchful sohow.
Lying in bed, I listened to the chorus of insects and the occasional owl call. Then ca the sharp, eerie yowl of a cat sowhere outside.
Sleep wasn’t coming anyti soon.
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